The Best Daycare Centers in Mount Laurel, NJ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mount Laurel. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mount Laurel
The Goddard School of Mount Laurel
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Mount Laurel offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and incorporates STEAM learning, literacy development, and character enrichment. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play spaces. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention for each child.
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Kiddie Academy of Mount Laurel
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Mount Laurel utilizes their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic readiness. The program emphasizes technology integration, health and fitness, and community awareness. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive security cameras, and strict pick-up authorization protocols. Their degreed teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain detailed portfolios tracking each child's progress. The facility includes dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, interactive whiteboards in classrooms, and a nutrition program that provides balanced meals and snacks. Parent communication is enhanced through real-time updates via their mobile app.
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The Learning Experience - Marlton
The Learning Experience
Located just minutes from Mount Laurel, The Learning Experience in Marlton offers their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic preparation with social skills development. The center specializes in early literacy and phonics through their Philanthropy Program and Manners Matters® curriculum. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The facility features bright, colorful classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and age-specific playgrounds. Their enrichment programs include soccer, dance, and yoga, with optional phonics and foreign language programs. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive continuous training in child development best practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mount Laurel, NJ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Mount Laurel, NJ?
In Mount Laurel, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of facility and the child's age. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,900 per month for an infant, and slightly less ($1,200 to $1,700) for a toddler. Home-based daycare (family childcare) is often more affordable, typically ranging from $900 to $1,400 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum (e.g., Montessori), and included amenities like meals. It's important to note that New Jersey is one of the more expensive states for childcare, and costs in Burlington County, where Mount Laurel is located, are generally in line with the state average. Many facilities offer sibling discounts, and financial assistance may be available through New Jersey's Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare in Mount Laurel is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare centers and registered family childcare homes in New Jersey are regulated by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Licensing. You can verify a provider's license status and view any past inspection reports by using the state's online "Child Care Search" tool. When touring a facility in Mount Laurel, look for the license certificate posted in a visible area. During the tour, ask about staff qualifications (NJ requires lead teachers to have a Child Development Associate credential or higher), observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, check for secure outdoor play areas, and note the staff's engagement with children. Specifically, ask about their emergency procedures, sick policies, and their plan for inclement weather, as this can affect commutes to local employers in the Cherry Hill/Philadelphia corridor.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Mount Laurel, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care at highly regarded centers in Mount Laurel. Due to high demand from families in this suburban community and limited infant slots (NJ has strict ratio requirements of 1:4 for infants), it is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date. Some popular centers affiliated with corporate employers or located near major routes like I-295 or the NJ Turnpike may have even longer waitlists. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they offer priority to siblings or employees of local partner companies. Starting early provides more options and reduces last-minute stress.
What are some of the key differences between the larger daycare chains and smaller, independent providers available in Mount Laurel?
Mount Laurel offers a mix of both. Large national or regional chains (like The Goddard School or Kiddie Academy) often provide a standardized curriculum, structured daily schedules, and modern facilities. They may have multiple classrooms divided by age and offer enrichment programs like basic Spanish or yoga. Smaller, independent centers or home-based providers often offer a more intimate, family-like atmosphere with potentially more flexible hours and lower child-to-staff ratios. They might incorporate local community elements or have a specific educational philosophy. A key practical difference is that larger chains often have more administrative resources for billing and communication apps, while smaller providers may offer more personalized daily updates. Both types must meet the same NJ state licensing standards for safety and staff training.
Beyond traditional daycare centers, what other licensed childcare options are available for parents in Mount Laurel?
Parents in Mount Laurel have several licensed options. First, Family Child Care Homes are registered with the state and operate out of a provider's residence, often offering mixed-age groups and a home-like setting. Second, many local preschools offer half-day or extended-day programs for children ages 2.5 to 5, which can be combined with care from a nanny or babysitter. Third, you can explore nanny shares with other families in your neighborhood or use licensed nanny agencies that serve Burlington County. Additionally, some local community centers, churches, and synagogues offer preschool or early learning programs. For school-age children, the Mount Laurel Township School District and various private organizations offer before-and-after-school care programs at elementary schools. Always ensure any alternative option you choose complies with New Jersey's childcare regulations for your child's safety and well-being.
Childcare Insights for Mount Laurel
Finding the right care for your infant is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as a parent. In Mount Laurel, New Jersey, families are fortunate to have a variety of quality childcare options, but knowing where to begin your search can feel overwhelming. The phrase "infant child care near me" is often typed with a mix of hope and urgency, and the good news is that our community offers several pathways to secure a nurturing and safe environment for your little one.
Start your search by understanding the specific landscape of infant care in Mount Laurel. New Jersey has stringent licensing requirements for childcare centers, which is reassuring for parents. Look for facilities that are not only licensed by the state but also may hold additional accreditations, such as from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which signifies a higher standard of curriculum and caregiver training. Many centers in our area, particularly those along the Route 73 corridor or near the Mount Laurel Township municipal complex, offer dedicated infant rooms with low caregiver-to-child ratios, a critical factor for personalized attention. It's wise to consider both larger childcare centers and smaller, licensed home-based providers, as each offers a different environment; home-based care can sometimes provide a more intimate, family-like setting that appeals to new parents.
When you visit potential centers, go beyond the checklist. Observe how caregivers interact with the babies. Are they engaged on the floor, responding to coos and cries with warmth? In Mount Laurel, where many families have connections to nearby Philadelphia or the corporate centers in Camden County, ask about flexibility for commuting parents. What are their hours, and how do they handle early drop-offs or late pickups? Inquire about their policies on communication—daily digital logs detailing feedings, naps, and diaper changes are now a standard and comforting expectation. Don't forget to discuss their health and safety protocols, especially their plans for managing common infant illnesses, which is a reality of group care.
Finally, trust your instincts and local networks. Talk to other parents at the Mount Laurel library's storytime, at community parks like Laurel Acres, or in local online community groups. Personal recommendations are invaluable. Remember, finding the right fit might take time, and it's perfectly normal to feel anxious. The goal is to find a place in Mount Laurel where you feel confident leaving your child, a place where they will be cherished and stimulated as they take their first steps into the world. By taking a thoughtful, observant approach, you can transform that search for "infant child care near me" into a confident decision for your family's next chapter.